Doxology

What it means

A doxology is a liturgical formula praising God that closes or supplements fixed parts of Christian worship. The best-known, the so-called lesser doxology “Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto” (Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit), is traditionally appended to the end of psalms and hymns.

Musical use

Musical settings of the doxology appear in Gregorian psalmody, where it closes every psalm tone formula, as well as in polyphonic vespers settings, Te Deum compositions, and church cantatas. Composers often set the doxology apart musically from the surrounding text, for example through a homophonic texture following contrapuntal sections, or through a solemn increase in dynamics.

The lesser doxology should be distinguished from the Gloria in excelsis, the so-called greater doxology, which stands as its own, more extended hymn of praise at the start of the Mass. Both share the basic idea of praise but differ in length, text, and liturgical placement.

Performance practice

When studying liturgical music, listen specifically for the moment the doxology begins, usually marked by a point of repose or a change of mood compared with the preceding psalm text. If you sing in a choir yourself, aim to set the doxology's solemn character apart from the preceding verses through a calmer tempo and a warmer tone.